Comprehensive simulation of a complete tiltrotor with pilot-in-the-loop for whirl-flutter stability analysis

Abstract

This work presents the complete aero-servo-elastic model Bell XV-15 tilt-rotor equipped with Advanced Technology Blades (ATB). Multibody and aerodynamic modeling of each subcomponent, using the open-source software MBDyn and DUST, is illustrated and validated considering experimental and numerical results. The design of optimal longitudinal control of the tilt-rotor is presented and validated. Finally, the detailed biomechanical pilot model is coupled with the aeroelastic tiltrotor model. To evaluate the capability of the model to evaluate the aeroelastic stability a is evaluated through a frequency sweep excitation of the model during a time-marching simulation, and the principal airframe modes are identified through the Matlab system identification. This model opens a wide spectrum of different analyses that could be performed, for example, this model will be use to study passengers’ comfort, performances in transient maneuvers such as conversion and pull-up, aeroelastic stability, pilot-induced-oscillation phenomena. Due to the modularity and parameterization of the model, other innovative VTOL configurations could be studied with the purposed approach.